PV module recycling equipment

End-of-life PV module recycling line

A dismantling and material-separation line for frames, junction boxes, glass, encapsulants, silicon and metals.

Published models and values are references for early comparison. Final capacity, weight, power, shipment and configuration remain subject to confirmed technical documents.

PV-module recycling is a material-separation line, not one thermal machine

  • Modules are classified by technology, structure and condition before frame removal, junction-box removal, glass separation, size reduction, polymer treatment and fine separation.
  • After thermal treatment, silver, copper and silicon normally require further physical, chemical or metallurgical processing. Testing confirms recovery rate and material purity.

Product overview

  • Feedstock

    End-of-life crystalline-silicon modules and qualified assemblies

  • Target materials

    Glass, aluminium, silicon, copper and other metal routes

  • Main stages

    Dismantling, glass separation, crushing, thermal treatment and fine separation

  • Selection inputs

    Module type, dimensions, structure, condition, annual supply and purity targets

Process flow

  • Module classification
  • Frame and junction-box removal
  • Glass separation and size reduction
  • Polymer treatment and off-gas control
  • Separation of silicon, copper and other materials

System composition

  • Module loading and positioning
  • Frame and junction-box removal
  • Glass separation and crushing
  • Polymer treatment
  • Physical separation and dust control
  • Product collection and automation

Main outputs

  • Glass

    Purity depends on dismantling and breakage.

  • Aluminium

    Primarily recovered from the frame.

  • Silicon material

    Requires downstream separation and purification.

  • Copper and other metals

    Usually require fine separation or metallurgical processing.

Product and engineering features

  • Work backwards from module construction and recovery targets
  • Integrate dismantling, separation and environmental controls
  • Include purity and downstream routes in evaluation
  • Plan different capacities and automation levels

Frequently asked questions

  • Can all PV modules use one line?

    Not always. Crystalline, thin-film and different encapsulation structures may need different routes.

  • Can thermal treatment recover silver and high-purity silicon directly?

    Usually not. It is one stage before further separation, purification or metallurgy.

  • What data is needed for evaluation?

    Module type, construction, dimensions, annual supply, existing dismantling, target purity and local environmental requirements.

Selection basis

Module construction and target purity define dismantling and separation

Crystalline-silicon, thin-film, framed, frameless and severely damaged modules require different assumptions. Define batch construction, dismantling, glass condition, encapsulants and downstream specifications before configuring mechanical, thermal or combined separation.

Module classification

Record technology, size, frame, backsheet, junction box, damage and contamination.

Safe dismantling

Remove frames, cables, boxes and accessible parts while controlling breakage, dust and sharp edges.

Layer separation

Compare mechanical, thermal or combined routes against glass condition and encapsulation.

Material acceptance

Downstream requirements define purity and packaging for glass, aluminium, copper, silicon-rich and metal-rich streams.

Confirm before technical selection

  • Module technology and model
  • Dimensions, construction and framed share
  • Broken, fire- or water-damaged condition
  • Stable batch and annual quantity
  • Target materials and purity
  • Downstream acceptance and local rules